GCOS Implementation Plan - WMO

Implementation Plan for the Global Observing System for Climate in Support of the UNFCCC
(2010 Update)
Action
Action T3 120 [IP-04 T3, T29]
Action: Development of a subset of current LTER and FLUXNET sites into a global terrestrial reference
network for monitoring sites with sustained funding perspective, and collocated measurements of
meteorological ECVs; seek linkage with Actions T4 and T29 as appropriate.
Who: Parties’ national services and research agencies, FLUXNET organizations, NEON, and ICOS, in
association with CEOS WGCV, CGMS-GSICS, and GTOS (TCO and TOPC).
Time-frame: Implementation started by 2011, completed by 2014.
Performance Indicator: Plan for the development and application of standardised protocols for the
measurements of fluxes and state variables.
Annual Cost Implications: 30-100M US$ (40% in non-Annex-I Parties).
Action T4
Action: Initiate an ecosystem monitoring network acquiring “Essential Ecosystem Records” (see section 3.8),
by exploiting collocation opportunities with the global terrestrial reference network (Action T3) and the network
of validation sites (T29).
Who: Parties’ national services and research agencies, GTOS (Global Observation of Forest and Land Cover
Dynamics (GOFC-GOLD)), TOPC, GEOBON, in association with the UNCBD.
Time-frame: Network concept and observation approach by 2011; Implementation by 2014.
Performance Indicator: Availability of essential ecosystem records, including proper documentation, from all
designated sites in the network.
Annual Cost Implications: 30-100M US$ (50% in non-Annex-I Parties).
Action T5
Action: Develop an experimental evaporation product from existing networks and satellite observations.
Who: Parties, national services, research groups through GTN-H, IGWCO, TOPC, GEWEX Land Flux Panel
and WCRP CliC.
Time frame: 2013-2015.
Performance indicator: Availability of a validated global satellite product of total evaporation.
Annual Cost Implications: 1-10M US$ (10% in non-Annex-I Parties).
Action T6 [IP-04 T4]
Action: Confirm locations of GTN-R sites, determine operational status of gauges at all GTN-R sites, and
ensure that the GRDC receive daily river discharge data from all priority reference sites within one year of their
observation (including measurement and data transmission technology used).
Who: National Hydrological Services, through WMO CHy in cooperation with TOPC, GTOS and the GRDC.
Time-Frame: 2011.
Performance Indicator: Reports to WMO CHy on the completeness of the GTN-R record held in the GRDC
including the number of stations and nations submitting data to the GRDC, National Communication to
UNFCCC.
Annual Cost Implications: 1-10M US$ (60% in non-Annex-I Parties).
Action T7
Action: Assess national needs for river gauges in support of impact assessments and adaptation, and
consider the adequacy of those networks.
Who: National Hydrological Services, in collaboration with WMO CHy and TOPC.
Time-Frame: 2014.
Performance Indicator: National needs identified; options for implementation explored.
Annual Cost Implication: 10-30M US$ (80% in non-Annex-I Parties).
Action T8 [IP-04 T6]
Action: Submit weekly/monthly lake level/area data to the International Data Centre; submit weekly/monthly
altimeter-derived lake levels by space agencies to HYDROLARE.
Who: National Hydrological Services through WMO CHy, and other institutions and agencies providing and
holding data; space agencies; HYDROLARE.
Time-Frame: 90% coverage of available data from GTN-L by 2012.
Performance Indicator: Completeness of database.
Annual Cost Implications: 1-10M US$ (40% in non-Annex-I Parties).
Action T9 [IP-04 T7]
Action: Submit weekly/monthly lake level and area data measured during the 19 th and 20 th centuries for the
GTN-L lakes to HYDROLARE.
Who: National Hydrological Services and other agencies providing and holding data, in cooperation with WMO
CHy and HYDROLARE.
Time-Frame: Completion of archive by 2012.
Performance Indicator: Completeness of database.
Annual Cost Implications: